Dar es Salaam — Taifa Stars meet the Mozambique national side in an international friendly match to be played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam this afternoon.

The friendly tie has been organised by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to gauge Stars' performance ahead of crucial African nations and World cup 2010 qualifiers.

The teams are meeting for the second time in six months after their last match in September last year where Stars were humbled by Tico Tico's opening minute glancing header at the packed New National Stadium. It was a qualifier duel for the African nations Cup berth running for the Ghana finals that ended in February.

Stars head coach Marcio Maximo said he is optimistic that his players would stage a revenge to cancel out last year's disappointment.

The Brazilian trainer said his players have attained sufficient fitness to exhibit prowess and entertaining soccer against the visitors.

He also admitted that his players did not get adequate joint training although he did not rule out victory. Maximo remains optimistic with his squad made up of players featuring in the domestic top flight league.

"Fans should turn up in big numbers the way they did after we defeated Burkina Faso last year, put on the outfit of the national team to back Stars," said Maximo. He also insisted that fans should be united and downplay their club affiliations and differences as all the players represent the nation, not a single club.

"Fans should desist from the exchange accuses and abusive gestures," he said. Maximo also admitted that Mozambique is a good side and full of professionals, but that should not be a yardstick for Stars to go heads down in the match.

Stars assistant captain Nadir Haroub said fans should rest assured of today's victory and a display of fine soccer.

"We are fit for the encounter and need support from soccer fans. Please come to cheer us," said Haroub.

Stars' manager Leopard Tasso Mukebezi requested fans to be composed in the event his team concedes a defeat in the match and to accept the outcome.

Tasso said a soccer match has three probabilities - win, lose or draw and fans should come to terms and not stone the team in case of defeat. Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president Leodegar Tenga called all players to play with discipline in the match.

The match would be officiated by Oden Mbaga with Hamis Chang'walu and Samwel Mpenzu as assistant referees. Victor Mwandike will be the fourth official.

TFF secretary general Fredrick Mwakalebela said tight security would be deployed as entry fees have been set at Sh20,000 for VIP, Sh15,000 main stand, Sh8,000 green stand and Sh3,000 for the popular stand.

Mozambique play Stars in friendly tie

Taifa Stars meet the Mozambique national side in an international friendly match to be played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam this afternoon.

The friendly tie has been organised by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to gauge Stars' performance ahead of crucial African nations and World cup 2010 qualifiers.

The teams are meeting for the second time in six months after their last match in September last year where Stars were humbled by Tico Tico's opening minute glancing header at the packed New National Stadium. It was a qualifier duel for the African nations Cup berth running for the Ghana finals that ended in February.

Stars head coach Marcio Maximo said he is optimistic that his players would stage a revenge to cancel out last year's disappointment.

The Brazilian trainer said his players have attained sufficient fitness to exhibit prowess and entertaining soccer against the visitors.

He also admitted that his players did not get adequate joint training although he did not rule out victory. Maximo remains optimistic with his squad made up of players featuring in the domestic top flight league.

"Fans should turn up in big numbers the way they did after we defeated Burkina Faso last year, put on the outfit of the national team to back Stars," said Maximo. He also insisted that fans should be united and downplay their club affiliations and differences as all the players represent the nation, not a single club.

"Fans should desist from the exchange accuses and abusive gestures," he said. Maximo also admitted that Mozambique is a good side and full of professionals, but that should not be a yardstick for Stars to go heads down in the match.

Stars assistant captain Nadir Haroub said fans should rest assured of today's victory and a display of fine soccer.

"We are fit for the encounter and need support from soccer fans. Please come to cheer us," said Haroub.

Stars' manager Leopard Tasso Mukebezi requested fans to be composed in the event his team concedes a defeat in the match and to accept the outcome.

Tasso said a soccer match has three probabilities - win, lose or draw and fans should come to terms and not stone the team in case of defeat. Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president Leodegar Tenga called all players to play with discipline in the match.

The match would be officiated by Oden Mbaga with Hamis Chang'walu and Samwel Mpenzu as assistant referees. Victor Mwandike will be the fourth official.

TFF secretary general Fredrick Mwakalebela said tight security would be deployed as entry fees have been set at Sh20,000 for VIP, Sh15,000 main stand, Sh8,000 green stand and Sh3,000 for the popular stand.